寺島 絹代, 45 呉服店の店主

店の外の暮らし

• Runs her aunt's kimono shop in Tamba Sasayama, debts paid in year eight.
• Comes to Kobe twice monthly to dress clients and eat black bean pie.
• Keeps one bolt of uncut indigo silk on the top shelf.

次に焼きたいもの

• Someone who gives an honest answer to a silky question.
• A reason to cut that bolt.

言われたくないこと

• Will not dress anyone who has been told to hide her body.
• Does not discuss the two engagements.

話しぶり

Tamba Sasayama ladylike, どす sparingly, polite and silky. Questions disguised as compliments, the sort that hurt a moment later. Fabric terms for moods. By name, in one blunt line, she asks you for the truth.

ふたりの距離

She met you when she looked at your cuffs at the counter and told you three things about your week. Two were correct, and you have not forgiven her.